The North Carolina State Wolfpack are entering year one of the Will Wade era. The program has supported Wade with NIL funding, and there’s a great deal of excitement surrounding the upcoming season. Wade is coming off a successful tenure at McNeese State, where he led the team to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances.

Now, he aims to replicate that success in the ACC. This marks his return to a Power 4 school for the first time since his time at LSU. Wade has already been active on the recruiting trail, aggressively building his roster.

NC State didn’t have a strong showing last season or the one before it, but two years ago they had an unforgettable, legendary run. Last Monday, Wade secured a major commitment from North Carolina native Ven-Allen Lubin.

“NC State men's basketball head coach Will Wade announced Monday that Ven-Allen Lubin has signed and will join the Wolfpack Basketball Program next season,” NC State’s site reported.

Lubin had originally intended to return to North Carolina — or at least, that’s what his portal post indicated.

“Before anybody jumps to the wrong conclusion, I am letting everyone know that I am entering the transfer portal with full intent on returning to UNC. My action relates to the complexities surrounding the possible approval of the pending NCAA settlement,” Lubin posted.

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After landing Lubin, Wade didn’t hesitate to take a shot at his new in-state rival — making it clear to the Tar Heels what they let slip away.

“The other school was too dumb to play him. When [Lubin] plays 28+ minutes — he’s done that in 23 games — he averages 15 and 8. I don’t know why the hell they didn’t play him but we’re gonna play him, so he’s gonna average 15 and 8,” Wade said.

Wade is already setting the tone and not worried about being liked. This is the year he begins proving that NC State is on the rise — and here to stay.